SOUTH-EAST LONDON 227 



Woods and heath together have an area of 

 ] 32 acres ; but owing to the large horizon, the 

 broken surface, and the wild and varied charac- 

 ter of the woodland scenery, the space seems 

 practically unlimited : the sense of freedom, 

 which gives Hampstead Heath its principal 

 charm and tonic value, may be here experienced 

 in even a greater degree than at that favourite 

 resort. To the dwellers in the north, west, and 

 south-west of London this wild spot is little 

 known. From Paddington or Victoria you can 

 journey to the end of Surrey and to Hampshire 

 more quickly and with greater comfort than to 

 Bostell Woods. To the very large and increasing 

 working population of Woolwich and Plumstead 

 this space is of incalculable value, and they 

 delight in it. But this is a busy people, and on 

 most working days, especially in the late autumn, 

 winter, and early spring months, the visitor will 

 often find himself out of sight and sound of 

 human beings ; nor could the lover of nature 

 and of contemplation wish for a better place in 

 which to roam about. Small woodland birds 

 are in great variety. Quietly moving about or 

 seated under the trees, you hear the delicate 

 songs and various airy lisping and tinkling 



Q 2 



